TBN, History Channel, Discovery to move to HD space

Mark Raby, 7th May 2007

Columbus (OH) - Today was a big day for news about new high definition TV channels, with announcements and reports of six new networks headed to HD.

Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will launch an HD simulcast in the final months of 2007, claiming it is the first "faith-based" TV channel to do so. TBN, which also acts as a syndicator, said it will also offer HD versions of its programs to other affiliate stations.

In addition, The History Channel announced today that it will bring high definition programming to a new simulcast channel to be called History Channel HD. It's scheduled for a September launch, with a flagship arrangement with DirecTV, the only satcaster confirmed to offer the channel when it goes live.

TBN and The History Channel made their announcements at this week's National Cable Show in Las Vegas. In a story released this week from Adweek Magazine, Discovery is also reportedly working on four new HD channels.

The cable conglomerate told Adweek it will launch hi-def simulcasts of Animal Planet, TLC, The Science Channel, and Discovery Channel in the beginning of 2008. It currently offers an exclusive HD channel widely available from cable and satellite providers titled Discovery HD Theater.